So Yesterday by Scott Westerfield (2004)

Hunter is a 'cool hunter' who meets Jen while admiring her innovatively tied shoelaces and soon they become involved in a kidnapping and a complicated consumerist scheme. It's an excellent look at coolness and trends and consumerism and features likeable, endearing characters. Great for pop culture addicts of all ages.

Invisible by Pete Hautman (2005)

Told through the viewpoint of Dougie, who may not be the most reliable narrator, it's a gripping and suspenseful read. To say any more than this would spoil the mystery of this book. Well-written and impossible to put down.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (2007)

This is an interesting slant on the problem novel, as it's told by a young man who pulls a stupid prank and gets accused of an even worse crime. Very well done, and a good accompaniment to the myriad of novels which tell the girls' side of the story.

Wrecked by E.R. Frank (2005)

In this novel, the young heroine and her friend are driving home from a party when they get in a car accident that kills the other driver and leaves the heroine and her friend with deep physical and emotional scars. What I love about this book is that, unlike many YA "problem novels", it's not a book leading up to one dramatic act and then a quick resolution and "I think everything's going to be juuuuust fine." This book begins with the dramatic act and shows how hard it is to work through things. See also Life is Funny, a collection of vignettes about a group of high school kids whose lives are intertwined in intricate ways. Rich characterization, heart-rendingly complicated situations. Very moving and absorbing.

Sarah Dessen - Adored Author

A fabulous young adult author, Sarah Dessen creates incredibly vivid characters with complex, realistic relationships. There are no easy answers, no unrealistically dramatic scenes--every bit just feels so much like real (young adult) life.  All of her books are wonderful, and interestingly enough, hard to condense in only a few words.  I think the one that stays with me the most is The Truth About Forever - Macy's boyfriend is going away to Brain Camp for the summer, so she gets a job with a catering company and meets Wes--one of the realistically dreamy ya romantic interests ever.  Other great Dessens include Dreamland, Just Listen, Keeping the Moon, That Summer,  This Lullaby and whatever new one she's just written.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999)

Melinda Sordino starts the school year as an outcast. Her friends won't talk to her, because at the end of the summer she called the police at a party and got everyone busted. What her friends don't know, however, is why she called the police. Nor do her parents, or anyone else for that matter. Because Melinda is saying as little as possible this year. An emotional and redemptive (but also dryly funny) novel and spot on in its depiction of high school life.

Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier (2002)

This novel about a first generation American daughter of Indian parents finding herself is narrated with the charming voice of Dimple, who plays with language in an endearing and interesting way. Also, a fascinating look at Indian immigrant culture.  If you liked Bend It Like Beckham and Monsoon Wedding, you'll love this.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron (2007)

Coming of age novel about a young man living in New York, working in his mother's gallery, and trying to find his way in the world. Compelling characters, particularly that of James, the main character and narrator who has a fascinatingly eccentric voice and outlook.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)

High school student Clay gets a shoebox filled with audiotapes narrated by Hannah, his classmate and friend who just killed herself. It's an audio tour around town to the places where the events occurred that caused her to decide to kill herself. Well told, quiet and sad story.

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (2005)

Ashley gets into trouble a lot, hangs out with her boyfriend TJ, who left school ages ago, and is waiting to graduate. Not that she's planning on college. She could care less about the prom, until she finds herself pulled into prom planning, and her whole life changes. Excellent, endearing characters and realistic situations with a welcome touch of humor.

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis (2004)

If there's anyone who crafts more hilarious, endearing characters and situations than Curtis, I can't imagine who it could be. Luther T. Farrell aims to be one of the great philosophers someday but in the meantime, he's pretty busy, working at the Happy Neighbor Group Home for Men, going to school, and trying to avoid the wrath of his mother, the Sarge. A fascinating novel with some pretty complex themes and a most interesting anti-hero.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2007)

Junior, a cartoon-drawing, basketball-player Indian kid leaves the reservation to go to a nearby white school and incurs the anger of whites and Indians alike, while living his life. Cartoons by the great Ellen Forney add to the realistic charm of this sweet, poignant and funny novel.